The fate of the Empire rests on this enterprise. Every man must devote himself totally to the task in hand.

A military man can scarcely pride himself on having smitten a sleeping enemy; it is more a matter of shame, simply, for the one smitten.

A brilliant man would find a way not to fight a war.

The fiercest serpent may be overcome by a swarm of ants.

The mindless rejoicing at home is really appalling; it makes me fear that the first blow against Tokyo will make them wilt at once...I only wish that [the Americans] had also had, say, three carriers at Hawaii.

The fate of the Empire rests on this enterprise. Every man must devote himself totally to the task in hand.

In the first six to twelve months of a war with the United States and Great Britain I will run wild and win victory upon victory. But then, if the war continues after that, I have no expectation of success.